I hope for peace- Ryan McEllen

    Peace is the feeling of tranquility, joy, and love. It is freedom from violence and disturbance, and it brings people together. No wars, hate, or anger occurs during peace, yet the world today resents it. Peace, for the most part is forgotten, while instead the world cares about money, power, and self-gain. People have been preaching harmony and love for all for generations, yet people around the globe continue to fight and kill. Why would some people want violence and death over friendliness and life?

    I believe that peace is the greatest thing for everybody to attain. In times of peace, people worry less, and the entire atmosphere and energy of the world changes for the best. Personally, I long for peace in all types of scenarios. I would rather forgive and be kind to others, compared to competing for personal glory and gain. There's just no point in fighting others, there is no point in hating others, there is no point in inequality, when we are all different but are also all human. 

    This idea and dream of peace in the world has been around for centuries. However, one crucial movement of peace occurred in the sixties. People protested war and wanted soldiers to come back home. And while there were many different rallies and marches, some of the most influential ways people preached peace was through music. Huge artists during this era and beyond, such as Crosby, Stills, and Nash, John Lennon, Yusuf , Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and many more spread the word of love and passiveness around the world. And although these artists knew that there were still many issues, conflicts and fighting occurring all over the place, they all had hope that one day, the world would change for the better.

    Hope is a beautiful thing that people hold onto. I don't believe that the world will stop wars and end all hatred anytime soon, but I hope that slowly peace will surround the Earth. I hope that people will begin to love everyone as if they were family. I hope that discrimination and hate will wash away as equality and prosperity rushes in. And I hope that one day everybody unites and comes together as one. If only the world would look past the materialistic things that keep their eyes shut and their minds closed which prevent them from seeing the goodness of nonviolence and peace. 

    I envy those artists that had hope and spread their beliefs to all of society, as they were taking action and informing others that peace is an option. One of my favorite lines comes from the song "Give Peace a Chance" by Plastic Ono Band. They sang, "All we are saying is give peace a chance," persuading the world to take that first step of change and bring peace to the world. This song certainly made me reflect on peace more, making me truly see how amazing it would be. So I still hope, and dream for the time that the enemies become friends and that the hate turns into love. Peace benefits all in the long run.